A 29-year-old Long Beach man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 38-year-old man whose body was discovered on Magnolia Avenue late last month.
The Long Beach Police Department identified the suspect as Lefulefu Kaio Pasa Jr., 29, of Long Beach, who was taken into custody following a homicide investigation.
The shooting occurred just before 1 a.m. on July 31 in the 700 block of Magnolia Avenue. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and found Ali Darren Muhammad Azim, 38, of Long Beach, suffering from a gunshot wound.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers immediately began life-saving efforts until paramedics arrived. Despite those efforts, Azim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the suspected shooter fled before officers reached the location.
Long Beach police emphasized that the investigation continued even after the suspect allegedly fled. "Following an investigation, on Aug. 5, officers and SWAT team personnel served a search warrant" at a residence where Pasa Jr. was located and taken into custody, authorities said.
Following several days of investigation, detectives identified Pasa Jr. as the primary suspect.
On Aug. 5, homicide detectives, assisted by the Long Beach Police Department SWAT team, served a search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of Cedar Avenue. Authorities located Pasa Jr. during the operation and arrested him without announcing any injuries or additional incidents.
Police said Pasa Jr. was booked on suspicion of murder and is being held on $2 million bail.
According to investigators, the motive for the shooting has not yet been determined, and detectives continue to examine the circumstances leading up to the deadly encounter.
The Long Beach Police Department said, "Detectives will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration."
According to police,** anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact Homicide Detectives Juan Carlos Reyes or Lisette Temblador. Authorities also reminded witnesses that anonymous information can be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.
Key Facts
- Suspect: Lefulefu Kaio Pasa Jr., 29, of Long Beach.
- Victim: Ali Darren Muhammad Azim, 38, of Long Beach.
- Incident Date: July 31, 2026.
- Location: 700 block of Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach.
- Arrest Date: Aug. 5, 2026.
- Charge: Murder.
- Bail: $2 million.
- Investigation: Ongoing by the Long Beach Police Department.
WHY IT MATTERS
The arrest marks a significant development in a homicide investigation that unfolded in a residential area of Long Beach. Solving fatal shootings quickly is often critical for investigators as they work to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and determine whether additional suspects may have been involved.
The case also highlights the role of specialized law enforcement units, including SWAT officers, in safely serving high-risk search warrants during homicide investigations. Prosecutors will now review the evidence collected by detectives before deciding whether to formally file criminal charges.
A skeptical view is that many important details remain unresolved. While investigators have arrested a suspect and booked him on suspicion of murder, authorities have not publicly disclosed the evidence linking him to the shooting or identified a motive. The case has not yet been presented in court, and prosecutors will ultimately determine whether the available evidence supports formal charges. As with any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Detectives are expected to submit the completed case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Prosecutors will review the evidence gathered during the investigation before determining what formal charges, if any, will be filed against Pasa Jr.
Meanwhile, investigators continue working to establish a motive and are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact homicide detectives or provide anonymous tips through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- What motivated the fatal shooting?
- Did the victim and suspect know each other before the incident?
- Was anyone else involved in the shooting?
- What evidence led investigators to identify the suspect?
- When will prosecutors announce whether formal charges have been filed?